To dine for – The Red Deer, Horsham

My journey to The Red Deer in Horsham was horrendous – a theme which seems to be reoccurring in my reviews! So, by the time I dashed through the doors half hour late, I was more than ready for a glass of wine and a leisurely meal. The ambience of this lovely pub brasserie is friendly and calming in equal measure. As we were shown to our table, my shredded nerves started to feel soothed. We'd selected a lovely spot by the window at the far side of the brasserie, so I was able to get a good look at the quirky spaces they've created here as we made our way over. The Garden Room in particular, with bi-fold windows, is a bright and pretty room, ideal for events. With exposed brickwork walls and botanical touches, combined with industrial-chic pipework, double-height vaulted ceilings, and vintage leather touches, the place exudes character.

A British pub with a French twist, The Red Deer's menu features a variety of dishes created using sustainably sourced ingredients from the best possible suppliers. Everything is cooked from scratch from the French brasserie staples to the international inspired cuisine. Starters on its current autumn menu include such delights as potted Cornish crab, wild mushroom fricassee, and mussels mariniere. There's also a choice of a Moroccan mezze platter or charcuterie platter if a sharing experience is your preferred option on a romantic date night. I opted for the chicken liver parfait with truffle butter, homemade red onion marmalade and toasted brioche, which was utterly delicious.

For main course you'll find a wonderful selection of traditional fare including beef and ale pie, and slow cooked boeuf bourguignon, alongside some delicious-sounding veggie and vegan options, such as a grilled cauliflower steak with truffle cream. My sirloin steak was cooked to perfection, melted in the mouth, and was made even tastier by the accompanying Café de Paris herb & mustard butter. Our friendly server selected the perfect complement to our meal in the shape of a lovely 2018 Chilean Valle de Rapel Voignier. But, if beer is your drink of choice, you'd be in the right place. The Red Deer is actually the only pub south of London to have Pilsner Urquell copper beer tanks, which offer fresh, unpasteurised golden beer straight from the Prague brewery, giving the taste of the real Czech lager with its distinctive depth of flavour.

I rounded off my meal with a chocolate feuillantine – a layered chocolate sponge and mousse with a dark chocolate glaze, hazelnut cream, chocolate sauce and sweet black cherries. It was every bit as indulgent as it sounds! I enjoyed each mouthful of the three courses amongst the charming surroundings, and look forward to returning.

To find out more and book your next celebration or date night visit www.reddeerhorsham.com